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Chemical Equilibrium

Equilibrium Yield

The proportion of reactant converted to product once equilibrium has been reached.

Formula / equation yield = n_product / n_theoretical
Unit Dimensionless

In depth

Equilibrium yield is fixed by K and by the conditions, and can never be exceeded no matter how long the reaction runs or how good the catalyst. Increasing it requires shifting the equilibrium, most effectively by removing product continuously.

Examples in the real world

Ammonia synthesis achieves only about 15% conversion per pass, which is why unreacted gas is recycled.